A guided photovoice approach to explore experts with disabilities’ lived experiences of accessibility and usability while engaging in active transportation in a rural Canadian community

Abstract

Introduction

Individuals with disabilities residing in rural regions, such as Nova Scotia, face greater barriers to accessibility including reduced opportunities to access and use of essential community services, modes of transportation, and spaces.

Methods

This study employed a qualitative, guided photovoice approach to understand the perceived barriers and facilitators to active transport based on the lived experiences of 12 experts with a range of disabilities (intellectual, physical, and visual) from a single rural community in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Results

Five themes emerged through thematic and comparative analysis of 144 captured photographs and related comments: 1. Accessibility and Usability of the Built Environment 2. Feelings of Safety, 3. Wayfinding, 4. Inclusive Community Spaces, and 5. Beautification.

Conclusions

Findings reinforced the need for future research and public policy initiatives to include the voice of experts with disability, and their site-specific knowledge of what makes a rural community inclusive, accessible and useable for people of all ability levels.